If you’re a frequent visitor of College Fashion, you might have noticed that I, unlike my fellow writers, am still in high school.

I started reading College Fashion obsessively during my freshman year, when I was trying to further develop my style, and I’m guessing I’m not alone. A bunch of you readers are still in high school (just like me!), battling everything from soccer practice and SATs to dress codes and graduation dresses.

Now that I’m a senior, and a coming-of-age film fanatic, I like to consider myself an expert in all things high school. So, to all the rising high school seniors out there, here are the 10 things that senior year taught me:

Table of Contents

1. In the Words of Leslie Knope, “Uteruses Before Duderuses.”

Okay, maybe not the most eloquent of Parks and Rec quotes, but Leslie Knope sure was onto something with Galentine’s Day. After the end of a long-term relationship at the beginning of senior year, I found myself re-connecting with the amazing friends that I had pushed aside.

What I learned was that girl friends are incredibly amazing and valuable. The group chat that I have with my two best friends can cheer me up on the darkest of days, and I have a much better time going out with friends (or staying in and dancing to T. Swift) than I do when I’m trying to impress someone. Girl friends are endlessly supportive of all of your dreams, be they an Ivy League college or a new pair of booties.

Push aside all preconceived notions you may have of girls being “nothing but drama.” We all went through that phase, and it wasn’t pretty. You’ll be leaving soon, and the memories that you take away from senior year are what you make of them. Make sure they’re filled with encouraging friends, late-night talks, and plenty of dance parties.